Lancashire teen recognised in RSPCA Young Photographer Awards with adorable snap of hiding hedgehog
A Lancashire teen has been recognised for her outstanding image in this year’s prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards.
The winners were announced at a ceremony at the Tower of London yesterday with Polly Bradbury, 16, from Lancaster, commended in the Mobile Phones & Devices category.
Polly snapped a sweet picture of a hiding hedgehog nestled in a blanket at the wildlife rescue centre she volunteers at.
She said: “After putting some food in this hedgehog's cage, I noticed him creeping out from under his blanket. The blanket framed his head perfectly, so I got out my phone and took some photos.
“Normally, when taking photos of small mammals, I will hold my phone as low down as possible, because people don’t normally get to see these animals face to face, we normally find ourselves looking down on them, and it also looks cuter when I focus on their nose!”
She added: “Taking this photo, I was forced to hold my phone a little higher than usual, to show off the blanket framing the hedgehog, and his beautiful pale spines contrasting with the dark background.”
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Every year, the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards invites young people aged 18 years and under to capture the animal kingdom on a camera or a mobile device. This supports the RSPCA’s mission of inspiring everyone to create a better world for every animal.
This year’s awards were judged anonymously by a panel of photography experts, including professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie; former competition winner-turned-professional photographer Catriona Parfitt; wildlife photographer, tour leader and owner of Natures Images, Danny Green; and RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Brett Harkness.
RSPCA photographer and judge Andrew Forsyth said: “This year’s entries have been of an incredibly high standard that made it very difficult for us as judges.
“This competition is a great way to encourage young people to go out and connect with animals, and the fantastic images we’ve seen this year have been very inspiring. There are some beautiful pictures in this year’s winners gallery, with real talent shining through.”
Presenter and broadcaster Radzi Chinyanganya, a former Blue Peter presenter, hosted this year’s awards.
He said: “Young people are the future and that's why I know the future is in safe hands - because I'm constantly blown away at the talent and the ability and the creativity of many young people around the country.
“Thousands of people have entered, so to even make the shortlist is testament to their skill, dedication and patience. It's been a special day with special people.”
Sponsors of the competition are Natures Images (wildlife photography holidays), Camtraptions (camera traps for wildlife photography) and multichannel communications provider MBA Group.
Winners in each category were awarded trophies and a selection of prizes at the Tower of London ceremony and as the overall winner, Thomas Durrant received a weekend photography break with Natures Images. This fabulous prize - the Deer Rut Special - includes two nights' accommodation for the winner and a parent/guardian.
The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2026 opens for entries on Tuesday 5 May 2026. For more information visit the RSPCA website for all the latest news, galleries and photo tips.